Prayer of Thanksgiving

November 22, 2018

DAILY READING

Psalm 136
This weekend’s reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving.  May we take stock in what God has given us this day.  

May we also pray for those who are not as fortunate as us. If you know of a way to help today, I encourage you to help.  If you know of someone who is alone, and you have an extra seat at your table, call and invite them. 
 
Remember those whose families are missing people this year. 
 
But most of all, thank God for all we have. For we have been given much. And to those much is given, much is expected. 
 
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
From the United Methodist Book of Worship—
 
Thank you, Creator of the Universe,
For the people gathered around us today.
We give thanks for the things of the earth that give us the means of life.
Thank you for the plants, animals, and birds that we use as food and medicine.
 
Thank you for the natural world, in which we find the means to be clothed and housed.  Thank you Lord for the ability to use these gifts of the natural world.
 
Help us see our place among these gifts, not to squander them, or think of them as means for selfish gain.
May we respect the life of all you have made. 
May our spirits be strengthened by using only what we need, and may we use our strength to help those who need us. 
Amen.